Timeline, Benchmarks and Point Values

Honors Chemistry Research Project 2016-2017 Timeline, Benchmarks and Point Values

This year you will have the privilege and opportunity to participate in a research project. You can earn scholarships if your project wins state or nationally and can include research experience on your college applications. In addition, your experience can help you become better prepared for college and beyond. More information can be found on these links to support being part of STEM research in high school:  http://sciencefair.nd.edu/about/benefits-of-participating/  http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/scifair_value.shtml  http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/dec14/vol72/num04/Teaching- the-Value-of-Science.aspx

You will need a quad ruled or composition book in addition to a two pocket folder specifically for your research project. All handouts and readings can be found on my website. The research project is 10% of your first and second semester grades. Deadlines will be adhered to in order to finish the project on time and there will be a 10% grade deduction per day for late submissions to a maximum deduction of 50%. If you know you will be absent for activities or sports turn your work in early. If you have an excused absence you must turn in the work on the day you return to school. If you finish an item before the due date, work on the next item. The dates are to help you pace the project. I can approval a proposal so that you may begin collecting data earlier than listed here, I even encourage it! Link to Research Project: http://www.mpsaz.org/rmhs/staff/dmdawson/cpchem/scifair/

Semester 1:

Item Task(s) Due Date Points 1 Introduction to Project: 8/26/16 30  Visit Science Buddies Website  Watch Ted Talks  Read Chapter 1 – Focusing on Preliminary Research Ideas  Use Handout #1 (3 of them) and identify 3 entities/topic ideas you might be interested in researching. 2 Determine the feasibility of entities/topic ideas: 9/8/16 20  Read Chapter 2 – Glossary of Terms and Sample Research Design Tables (RDT’s)  Use Handout #2 (3 of them) and complete an RDT for each of your entities. 3 Topic Selection: 9/26/16 30  From the information in your RDT’s determine which project you would like to do.  Read Chapter 3 – Background Research and Note Taking  Formulate a minimum of 8 questions you have about your topic and research their answers, recording all of your notes and findings.  Use Handout #3 as a template.  Make sure to use reputable websites.  You must cite at least 2 journal/educational resources.  Keep track of the location of your research information in a bibliography that is in MLA format. 4 Formulate Hypothesis: 10/5/16 20  Read Chapter 4 – Writing a Hypothesis  Complete Handout #4  Write your hypothesis making sure to include the IV, DV and scientific language 5 Write Proposal: 10/21/16 50  Read Chapter 5 – Proposal Writing  Use Checklist and Rubric  Compose list of materials you may need from me – chemicals, equipment, etc. 6 Paperwork: 10/26/16 10  Once you have an approved proposal use the Rules Wizard to determine which forms you need to have filled out and approved.  All students will need 1) Checklist for Adult Sponsor, 2) Checklist 1A, 3) Approval Form 1B.  If your project has vertebrate animals, human participants, recombinant DNA, microorganisms, human or animal tissue you will need an IRB and will have to schedule to meet for approval on 10/27 or 11/17.  If you are refining a previous experiment you will need a continuation form.  If you are using non-household chemicals you will need a risk assessment form. 7 Perform Experiment: 12/16/16 40  Read Chapter 6 – Organizing a Laboratory Notebook  Collect Data.  Refine procedure as necessary.  Multiple trials.  Record EVERYTHING, by hand, in notebook. Include dates and times. Total Points: 200

Semester 2:

Item Task(s) Due Date Points 8 Analyze Data: 1/6/17 10  Read Chapter 7 – Descriptive Statistics  Read Chapter 8 – Graphical Representations  Read Chapter 9 – Inferential Statistics and Data interpretation  Organize Data/Data Table  Graph Data  Interpret Results 9 Write Research Paper: 1/27/17 130  Read Chapter 10 – Documentation and Research Paper Set Up  Read Chapter 11 – Writing the STEM Paper  Use checklists for each section and rubric to write your paper. 10 Write Abstract: 2/1/17 10  Read – How to Write an Abstract  Compose abstract. 11 Poster Board: 2/3/17 50  Read Chapter 12 – Presenting Your Research  Use template.  Use rubric.  Prepare tri-fold poster for the science fair. Let me know if you need materials. 12 Science Fair: 2/10/17  Tri-fold poster  Two pocket folder with all handouts and assignments on the right and paperwork on the left.  Research Notebook Total points: 200